The words at left come from late-20th Century philosopher and ethnobotanist Terence McKenna.
His observation here echoes those of many other intellectuals who have pondered who it’s possible that an extremely intelligent species can make such poor decisions when it comes to governance.
The problem, I believe, is that intelligence isn’t the only characteristic–or even the main one–that drives the way we elect our leaders and get along with others. Our tribalism and greed are far more important to how human beings behave in groups.
Renewable Energy
Money and its Effect on the Human Personality
Today, I met a professional driver for the film-making industry whose principal focus is stunt-work.
Somehow, we got to talking about the many movie stars for whom he’s worked over the years, and how pleasant most of them are to be around.
He started by mentioning Kevin Costner.
“I really like him,” I said. Please tell me he’s not an asshole.”
“Oh no; he’s a prince,” my new friend replied. “I also do the driving for Jay Leno’s show about his massive garage full of vintage cars. He’s even kinder. When we’re having lunch between shootings, he’ll often come up our table and ask if we need another Coke or two. Maybe desserts?”
We eventually got around to the stars who are, in fact, assholes.
“I drive in Lethal Weapon 4,” he began.
“Let me make a stab. Mel Gibson?”
Yes. One of the most hateful, most miserable people you could meet in 100 lifetimes.”
“That’s the rumor everyone’s heard,” I responded. “It’s weird how people who have more money that God feel the need to be such terrible people.”
“Well, my theory is that money doesn’t change people; it only amplifies them.”
I remind him of Henry Ford’s observation above.
Great conversation.
Renewable Energy
At This Point, No One Should Believe a Word that Comes Out of Trump’s Mouth
How Trump has any credibility with Americans–or the other citizens of planet–is a mystery that is impossible to unravel.
At This Point, No One Should Believe a Word that Comes Out of Trump’s Mouth
Renewable Energy
What the 2026 Midterms Are Really About
It’s good to hear Bernie Sanders say what he did here, but it’s sad that it needs to be said at all.
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